Vanilla Bourbon Cake is a moist, flavorful cake that combines rich vanilla essence and the warm, slightly smoky notes of bourbon.
This Vanilla Bourbon Cake offers a delightful balance between sweetness and depth, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.
The bourbon enhances the vanilla flavor, creating a smooth and elegant taste that stands out from regular cakes.
Making this Vanilla Bourbon Cake requires about an hour, including preparation and baking, which is manageable even on busy days.
The result is a tender, aromatic cake that pleases many. Now, I will guide you through the process of making this delicious Vanilla Bourbon Cake step by step.
How To Prepare Vanilla Bourbon Cake
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 14 servings
Calories: ~630 kcal per serving (varies based on slice size and buttercream quantity)
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (packed)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 5 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (room temperature)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
For the Bourbon Vanilla Buttercream:
- 3 cups unsalted butter (softened, room temperature)
- 12 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 6 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How To Make Vanilla Bourbon Cake
1. Preheat the oven and prepare pans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar:
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs and flavorings:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and bourbon until well combined.
5. Incorporate wet and dry ingredients:
Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk combined with vegetable oil to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely:
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare and apply the buttercream frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add bourbon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and beat until light and fluffy. Frost the cooled cake layers and assemble. Optionally, garnish with a light drizzle of bourbon or decorative sprinkles.
Why We Love This Recipe
We love this Vanilla Bourbon Cake because it brings together rich, comforting flavors in a simple yet elegant way. The combination of smooth vanilla and warm bourbon creates a depth that feels both familiar and indulgent.
The Vanilla Bourbon Cake has a soft, moist crumb that holds up beautifully, making it easy to bake, slice, and enjoy. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never feels ordinary, and the butter cream adds a creamy, flavorful finish.
Each time it’s made, it delivers consistent results and plenty of compliments. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a classic from the very first bite.
What Is The Best Serving Ideas?
For the best serving ideas, enjoy Vanilla Bourbon Cake as it is for a simple yet decadent treat, or dress it up with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for an added touch of elegance.
Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a more festive presentation, drizzle with a bourbon caramel sauce or top with toasted nuts to enhance the flavor profile.
Whether served on its own or with accompaniments, this cake always shines as the star of the dessert table.
Expert Tips
➢ Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smoother batter and a lighter, fluffier cake.
➢ The bourbon is a key flavor in this cake, so choose a high-quality brand that you enjoy drinking. This will give your cake a deeper, more refined taste.
➢ Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt ensures there are no lumps and allows for a smoother batter, helping the cake rise evenly.
➢ Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
➢ Before frosting, let the cake cool fully. Frosting a warm cake can cause the buttercream to melt and slide off.
Optional Add-In’s And Variations
1. Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Add ½ to 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, chocolatey contrast to the bourbon flavor.
2. Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be folded into the batter for added texture and a nutty depth that pairs wonderfully with the vanilla and bourbon.
3. Citrus Zest: Adding the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter can bring a refreshing citrus note that complements the richness of the bourbon.
4. Dried Fruit: Dried cherries, cranberries, or raisins can add a chewy, fruity element that enhances the cake’s flavor profile.
5. Spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cardamom to the batter for extra warmth and depth, giving the cake a spiced twist.
6. Coffee or Espresso: Replace part of the milk with brewed coffee or espresso for a mocha twist that enhances the bourbon and vanilla flavors.
How To Store The Finished Cake
To store the finished Vanilla Bourbon Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you need to store it longer, place the cake in the refrigerator, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
For extra freshness, you can wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil. If the cake is not frosted, it can be stored in a sealed container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the Vanilla Bourbon Cake in an airtight container or wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil, where it can stay fresh for up to 3 months.
(FAQs) About The Vanilla Bourbon Cake
Can I substitute the bourbon with something else?
Yes, you can replace the bourbon with rum or even a non-alcoholic vanilla extract if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
How do I make the cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the blend’s instructions, as some may require additional binding agents.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Just frost it on the day you plan to serve.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease and flour your cake pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
Can I freeze the Vanilla Bourbon Cake?
Yes, you can freeze both the un-frosted cake and frosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
This Vanilla Bourbon Cake has been an easy success every time, bringing joy to those I share it with. Its flavor, texture, and consistency have made it a reliable favorite in my kitchen.
I hope others enjoy making Vanilla Bourbon Cake as much as I do and find the same happiness in every slice.
More Delicious Vanilla Cake
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Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Buttercream – Best Deliciously
Vanilla Bourbon Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife for frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 2 cups granulated sugar packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 5 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons whole milk room temperature
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
For the Bourbon Vanilla Buttercream:
- 3 cups unsalted butter softened, room temperature
- 12 cups powdered sugar confectioners’ sugar
- 6 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven and prepare pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar:
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add eggs and flavorings:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and bourbon until well combined.
Incorporate wet and dry ingredients:
- Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk combined with vegetable oil to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Bake the cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool completely:
- Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare and apply the buttercream frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add bourbon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and beat until light and fluffy. Frost the cooled cake layers and assemble. Optionally, garnish with a light drizzle of bourbon or decorative sprinkles.